ST. PAUL - It was a day to remember and will be added to ongoing history of St. Paul Junior Canadiens hockey team in St. Paul, as a group of former NHL hockey players arrived to the Clancy Richard Arena on Saturday afternoon.
While the Montreal Canadiens' alumni players filled the current Jr. B Canadiens change room, in another change-room were players much more familiar with the local arena. Playing against the NHL alumni players was a roster filled with former St. Paul junior hockey players.
While there were plenty of smiles - and a few extra goals scored by the professional hockey players - the game was clearly enjoyed by fans in attendance. As the U9 St. Paul Canadiens minor hockey team took to the ice during the game's first intermission, and St. Paul figure skaters entertained during the second intermission, it made for a true community event.
A banquet was held immediately after the hockey game, drawing people from near and far to the St. Paul Rec. Centre in celebration St. Paul's long-standing and unique relationship with the Montreal Canadiens, along with celebrating the importance of hockey in Alberta, as a whole.
Stew MacDonald, CCO Edmonton Oilers Entertainment Group, along with Rick Green, coach and team representative Montreal Canadiens Alumni took to the podium to address the crowd Saturday evening.
Patrick Lamoureux, president with the St. Paul Canadiens Alumni Foundation and Town of St. Paul Maureen Miller also offered thoughts and gratitude.
More to come...
